Apache Apisix Admin Default Login Scanner

Apache Apisix is an open-source, cloud-native API gateway used by businesses to manage and route API traffic efficiently. Developed by the Apache Software Foundation, it is designed to provide dynamic routing, transformation, and security capabilities for businesses leveraging APIs. It is primarily used by organizations seeking a robust, scalable gateway solution in cloud computing environments. The software is commonly deployed in service mesh architectures to handle large volumes of API calls. Teams using microservice architectures often implement Apache Apisix to streamline their API management processes. Apache Apisix plays a crucial role in enhancing API traffic flow management and increasing overall system performance.

The vulnerability detected in the Apache Apisix Admin involves the use of default login credentials, which could allow unauthorized access to the admin dashboard. Default login vulnerabilities are critical because they allow potential attackers easy entry points into otherwise secured systems. Exploiting this type of vulnerability, attackers can compromise admin accounts, gaining full system access. Unauthorized admin access could lead to configuration changes, unauthorized data access, and control over API traffic. This vulnerability highlights the need for robust authentication measures in managing dashboard access. Measures such as regular password updates and disabling default credentials are essential to mitigating such risks.

The technical details of this vulnerability involve the insecure use of default credentials for accessing the Apache Apisix Admin dashboard. By default, applications may leave admin accounts with predictable login credentials such as 'admin:admin', making them vulnerable to unauthorized access. The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a POST request to the Apache Apisix Admin login endpoint with the default username and password as payload. Successful exploitation is identified by the presence of specific tokens in the JSON response indicating a valid session. This flaw in authentication implementation can readily be tested using automated scanners looking for default admin credentials.

When exploited by malicious users, this vulnerability can have several adverse effects on the affected systems. It could allow attackers to reconfigure the API gateway settings, potentially disrupting service availability and causing data breaches. An attacker gaining access could modify data routing rules, enabling data exfiltration or denial of service attacks. Systems' confidentiality, integrity, and availability can be severely compromised, fostering trust issues among clients and users. Moreover, control over the admin panel might allow the creation of additional user accounts with elevated permissions, exacerbating the security breach. Reputation damage and possible regulatory penalties might also ensue.

REFERENCES

• https://apisix.apache.org/